Charmed
Life
Gretheline
Genciana Ramos-Bolandrina
Grace
“Grace isn't a little prayer
you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live." —Jackie
Windspear
On my wish list is the book, "The Unmistakable
Touch of Grace" part spiritual memoir, part self-help by Cheryl Richardson.
She defines grace as "the benevolent force of energy that comes from the
Divine Source." An energy that is available to every one at any moment. But
we have to learn to recognize its presence in our lives. It is when we become
aware of the signs, symbols, and messages meant to lead us in the right direction
that we become touched by grace. Science supports the idea of the universe
vibrating with the same force of energy, the same energy that created us.
By raising our level of consciousness and working in partnership with this
divine energy, we get a feedback, something we oftentimes call coincidence.
Though if we look more, delve more into things, we realize that there are
no coincidences. We may begin to see things and/or events, as they are,
unmistakable evidences of how grace affects our lives. Here’s a sample
of what I mean.
In 2002, I made the toughest decision of my
life. Amidst emotional turmoil, I kept my vow. I noticed unusual occurrences
that sort of guided me in a particular direction. Sure, I felt lost and sometimes
unsure of myself. I remember a specific prayer I repeated over and over,
"may God’s will be done". Sometimes I felt stuck but my Mom was just
a phone call away. I had loyal friends who stood by me. I debated about whether
or not to call my Ate. I’m glad I did, and true enough, she wasn’t
named Grace for nothing.
Sometime back, on Martha’s Vineyard,
we came across a bumper sticker that said, "Grace Happens." We got it for
my Ate. I thought it’s not only a good bumper sticker to remind us of
God's goodness (and also my big sister’s graciousness). Of course
there’s the other bumper sticker that reminds us about bad things, like
you-know-what hitting the fan! I believe "Grace" does not happen by chance.
Some bad things happen to us by pure chance. Being at the wrong place at
the wrong time or being with the wrong people.
Grace happens, forgiveness also happens. It
is the way of grace. It is the way of enlightened life. If we are to experience
grace for ourselves we should try granting it to others. Grace is in our
lives. Amazing things happen. A moment of grace I would like to further share
is from a dear friend who survived betrayal. Though victimized because some
being had no qualms about inserting herself in a relationship sanctified
by the holy matrimony, my friend emerged triumphant. And with her words,
I quote and close…
"When all of this is said and done, I am going
to personally tell God that I had a most interesting life on earth. Much
as my heart has been broken, it has been salvaged, revived through the friendship
that was borne through seeking the truth and the compassion of one who has
gone through it and survived! I know that my children have survived, too,
because they are growing up to be gracious and healthy both in mind and spirit.
They are not vengeful or pitiful at all. They do not harbor ill feelings
for their father, but only disappointment and regret that until now he has
not seen the light. But as in everything on this earth, everything has it’s
season and all in due time."
Feel free to e-mail me reactions, comments
and or suggestions for ideas to ponder. Contact me at
Gretheline@aol.com or through Carousel
Productions. |
